Shellharbour City Council is committed to promoting best practice by establishing clear guidelines and standards for the community in relation to keeping animals within the Shellharbour Local Government area. The principles by which the Council will regulate the number of animals kept on premises is primarily guided by the Local Government Act 1993 and Companion Animals Act 1998. Local Government Act 1993 and Companion Animals Act 1998. This is reflected in our adopted Keeping of Animals in Residential Areas Policy.
I have found a dog
If you have found a lost or roaming dog, call Council on (02) 4221 6111.
If it is safe to do so, please keep the dog secure until it can be collected.
If you find the dog outside business hours and are able to care for it safely overnight, please contact Council the next business day.
If the dog is displaying aggressive behaviour or you are unable to safely contain it, contact Council immediately.
I have lost my dog
If your dog is missing, contact Council on (02) 4221 6111 to check whether it has been found.
You can also:
- Check Council's Lost Dog Registry
- Contact local veterinary clinics
- Monitor local lost and found pet social media groups
Our City Regulation team will make every effort to reunite lost pets with their owners.
Claiming a found dog
If your dog has been collected by Council, the following steps are required before it can be returned.
1. Pay any applicable fees
Outstanding fees and charges must be paid before your pet can be released.
Payments can be made at the Shellharbour Civic Centre Customer Service desk or by phone on (02) 4221 6111.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact Council to discuss available assistance.
If your pet is not microchipped or registered, all applicable registration fees must be paid before the animal can be returned.
2. Provide proof of ownership
Animals can only be returned to their owner or an authorised representative.
You will need to provide identification that matches the ownership details recorded on the animal's registration and microchip records. If your pet is not microchipped or registered, a statutory declaration confirming ownership may be required.
3. Arrange collection
Once payment and ownership requirements have been satisfied, contact Council or complete our Animal Return Form to arrange collection.
Dog Attacks
If you have been involved in or witnessed a dog attack, report the incident to Council as soon as possible.
Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, a dog attack includes if a dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal.
Submit a Dog Attack Report form online.
If there is an immediate threat to public safety or a serious injury has occurred, call 000.
Barking or Nuisance Dogs
Barking dog complaints are one of the most common issues reported to Council. Where appropriate, we encourage residents to speak with the dog owner first. For information on, visit our Barking and Nuisance Dogs page.
Nuisance or roaming cats
Council can assist with complaints regarding nuisance or roaming cats. Where appropriate, we encourage residents to speak with the cat owner first. For information on responsible cat ownership, nuisance cats and annual permit requirements, visit our Cats page.
Animal Welfare Concerns
Concerns about animal cruelty, neglect, a lack of food, water, shelter or veterinary care should be reported to the RSPCA. Contact NSW Police if immediate intervention is required.
Sick, Injured or Orphaned Native Animals
If you find a sick, injured or orphaned native animal, contact WIRES on 1300 094 737. WIRES provides rescue and rehabilitation services for native wildlife.
Feral and Pest Animals
Council does not manage feral or pest animal populations on private land. For assistance with pest animal issues, visit Local Land Services or call 1300 795 299.
Deceased Animals
Council collects deceased animals located on public land, including parks, reserves and roadsides. Where the deceased animal is a dog or cat, Council’s Regulation Officers will scan the animal for a microchip and, where possible, contact the registered owner.
Adopt a Dog
Unclaimed dogs may become available for adoption after the required holding period.